Last year, local developer and philanthropist Ed Walker brought his CityWorks (X)po to downtown Roanoke’s Charter Hall in the City Market building. The three-day event examined how small cities could thrive – cities like Roanoke – on the strength of collaboration and bold new ideas. CityWorks (X)po returns to Charter Hall for a second time, from October 18-20.
Speakers from all over the country are on the agenda; topics range form tactical urbanism (Mike Lydon) to the intersection of impact and innovation (Robert Egger) and public space transformed (Jim Lasko). Roanoke City Manager Chris Morrill will also speak, as he did last year.
Q&A with CityWorks (X)po Director Brent Cochran: (Cochran, an employee of developer Ed Walker’s CityWorks non-profit, is also the owner of the climbing wall that will be installed inside the River House apartment complex this fall.)
What’s the focus of the second CityWorks (X)po?
“This year’s theme is Radical Trust, because we realize that trust lies at the heart of making positive things happen, be it on the community or national level. However the focus this year is no different. The intention of Xpo is to build connections across disciplines within the growing community of extraordinary place makers; those people generating the ideas and doing the work that makes their local and global community a stronger, vibrant, and sustainable place to live.”
How many are expected to attend?
“ Last year we had almost 500 attendees over the course of the weekend, and we’re certainly on pace to match and exceed that number this year. At the current rate, the conference will be sold out in September.”
Who are the can’t miss speakers?
” Everyone! Seriously, they’re all really good. Some of my favorites are Robert Egger, James Howard Kunstler, Kennedy Smith, Mike Lydon, and Christopher Allen.”
Did you see action items and evidence of change in Roanoke last year after the first CityWorks (X)po?
“We have received a lot of feedback throughout the year from both speakers and attendees who made connections and received ideas during Xpo that generated new projects. While Xpo is held in Roanoke and certainly highlights our region, it is not specifically focused on Roanoke. “
What are the goals for this event?
“Our hope for Xpo is that it will serve as a catalyst that connects people and ideas and stimulates projects that improve our communities on the macro and micro level.
(see cityworksxpo.com for more information on the conference, Oct.18-20. The registration fee is $310).”
By Gene Marrano
